Varanasi air show displays IAF capability over Ganga for 94th anniversary
Around 100 aircraft including Rafale and indigenous Tejas fighters took to the skies above Namo Ghat as the Indian Air Force demonstrated its operational capability.
The Indian Air Force has displayed its national defence capability and aviation expertise over the Ganga in Varanasi, with frontline fighter jets and helicopters performing over Namo Ghat to mark the force's 94th anniversary.
The three-day 'Wings Over Ganga' event features a fleet of 100 aircraft, reflecting the country's growing self-reliance in aviation and defence manufacturing. Spectators gathered along both banks of the river to watch aerial displays by Rafale, Sukhoi-30MKI, Tejas, and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, alongside heavy-lift Chinook helicopters and the Surya Kiran aerobatic team.
IAF fleet breakdown for Varanasi display
| Category | Number of aircraft |
|---|---|
| Fighter jets | 52 |
| Helicopters | 32 |
| Transport aircraft | 15 |
| Heritage aircraft | 1 |
Opening displays included the Kashi formation by Kiran trainer aircraft and a tricolour display by Mi-17 helicopters flying in an 'Omkar' formation, alongside a joint flypast by helicopters representing the three armed services.
The Sarang helicopter team performed aerial maneuvers using Advanced Light Helicopters manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Squadron Leader Ankita Singh, a member of the Sarang team, noted that as Asia's only five-helicopter display unit, the team demonstrates the coordination and capabilities of domestic aviation platforms while encouraging young citizens to consider careers in the armed forces.
Squadron Leader Gautam Tyagi said performing over Kashi on the Air Force's 94th anniversary was a privilege, adding that the air show sequence aimed to demonstrate precision flying to the public.
High-level attendance and security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are scheduled to attend the final day's show on Sunday.
Local authorities divided the city into 32 zones, 50 sectors, and 80 sub-sectors, deploying approximately 11,900 security personnel across Varanasi to ensure smooth public management and security during the event. The three-day schedule, covering 22, 24, and 25 October, paused on 23 October for polling in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total aircraft in show | 100 | Air Force officials |
| Fighter jets participating | 52 | Air Force officials |
| Security personnel deployed | 11,900 | Police officials |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Varanasi | Host city for the air show along the banks of the Ganga. |
| Indian Air Force | Organised the 'Wings Over Ganga' air show to mark its 94th anniversary. |
